Ethics and Ethical Standards for Dentists & Dental Professionals

Ethics and Ethical Standards for Dentists & Dental Professionals is a CPD-accredited online course designed specifically for dentists and dental professionals working in the United Kingdom. The course supports dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental nurses, and orthodontic therapists in understanding and applying ethical principles in line with General Dental Council (GDC) expectations.

It is particularly relevant for professionals facing complaints, investigations, or fitness-to-practise processes, as well as those seeking to strengthen ethical judgement, professionalism, and patient trust in everyday dental practice.

Ethical concerns such as consent, honesty, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and the duty of candour are among the most common reasons for complaints and regulatory action in dentistry. The GDC expects dental professionals to act with integrity, put patients’ interests first, and maintain public confidence in the profession.

This course provides clear, practical guidance on navigating ethical dilemmas, meeting regulatory standards, and responding appropriately when things go wrong — helping professionals reduce risk and demonstrate insight and accountability.

This course is suitable for UK-based dental professionals, including:

• Dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental nurses, and orthodontic therapists
• Dental professionals working in NHS and independent dental settings
• Professionals regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC)
• Practitioners facing complaints, investigations, fitness-to-practise proceedings, or remediation
• Dental professionals seeking CPD evidence for appraisal, revalidation, or regulatory review

The course explores:

• The foundations of healthcare ethics and their relevance to dental practice
• Core ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and confidentiality
• The role of the General Dental Council in setting and enforcing ethical standards
• Informed consent and shared decision-making in dentistry
• Honesty, integrity, and the duty of candour
• Accurate documentation and ethical record-keeping
• Professional boundaries and appropriate conduct with patients and colleagues
• Common ethical breaches in dental practice and their consequences
• GDC fitness-to-practise processes and regulatory responses
• Reflection, remediation, and continuous professional development to uphold ethical standards

On successful completion of this course, participants will receive:

• CPD UK certified accreditation
• An accredited CPD certificate
• CPD evidence suitable for UK appraisal, revalidation, remediation, and professional portfolios

This course is aligned with the General Dental Council’s Standards for the Dental Team and related ethical guidance.

It supports dental professionals in demonstrating ethical judgement, honesty, accountability, and fitness to practise — particularly where concerns have been raised about conduct, consent, confidentiality, or professional boundaries.

This online course is relevant to dental professionals working across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, in both National Health Service and independent dental settings.